Last week Baby and I were invited to the press launch of the Christmas festivities at Bicester Designer Outlet Village. At first I was a little reluctant to accept, as although the event sounded great, it would mean Baby being up past her bedtime for the first time. However, Mr Hubby was out for the evening and so I thought it would be good for us to have a little outing.
We headed north to Bicester Village, which is not very far from where we live. The Village really is destination shopping at its finest and being only an hour from London, it is THE place to go shopping this festive season; not least because it has been transformed into a fabulous winter wonderland. You will also find the very best designer shops such as DVF, Westwood, McQueen plus many more.
Bicester Village believe that behind every gift is a story worth telling; they are inviting their guests to ‘Step into the Story‘ and inspire them to create their own stories associated with the gifts they buy. The village had become a real life fairytale; featuring larger-than-life story books, winter animals, stunning lights and lots of fabulous festive touches. I hadn’t felt festive until we arrived, but it didn’t take me long.
After I left my car with the valet (I know!), I went to meet up with my stunning friend Nat from Style Me Sunday. After a reception of seasonal food and drink in a pop up terrace, we were treated to story time by The Oxford Story Museum. Baby wasn’t sure at all about the amazing singing story teller! I think she was wondering why she wasn’t in bed! There was also a comic book artist, crafting to create snow globes, crackers and decorations.
Then it was time to go shopping! We had a voucher to treat ourselves with and there were also gifts for us in some of the shops. These included an amazing umbrella from Lulu Guinness, passport leather holder from Smythson, a cosmetic/washbag from Kipling, a business card holder from Jaeger, socks from Paul Smith and a scarf and lanyard from Tommy Hilfiger.
The atmosphere was amazing and there were so many helpful staff on hand to help us whenever required. If you love all things designer, then this is the place to be, as there are savings of up to 60% of the recommended retail price.
You can experience the event yourself when Bicester Village is running a similar event for the public on the 6th November. Black Friday comes to the Village on 28th November, when you can enjoy shopping until midnight! Throughout the festive period guests will be treated to entertainment on Monday and Thursday afternoons.
Bicester Village is raising money for the Oxford Children’s hospital. If you visit the village during the festive period, follow @Bicestervillage, take a picture and tag #BicesterGiving. For every tweet Bicester Village will donate £1 (up to £5000).
I am so grateful to Modus and Bicester Village for inviting us to such an amazing event!
Comments 34
I’ve heard about this place loads but never ventured there as I’m not really into designer gear. Looks like a nice place to visit for the kids over Xmas though 🙂 #magicmoments
It looks SO pretty – but its too early for Christmas, I wish the shops would wait a little – I ADORE Christmas but am starting to feel like it gets too diluted by decorations etc being up for 2 months!
I love Christmas. I’m not sure I could afford designer prices though, unless there was a 99% discount!
What a lovely place to spend with your little one and your family. It’s so festive for the holidays and stores are fantastic as well. I wish I could venture a trip with my little one there as well. Thanks for sharing!
Looks like a lovely evening out, getting to mix in all the designer brand shops. Baby looks completely nonplussed about it all though! It does look beautiful there, it’s a shame it’s so far away would love to visit. Popping by from Magic Moments.
Oh my goodness! Looks like Christmas has arrived early at Bicester! Love it! 🙂 #whatsthestory.
It looks really nice I agree!
We used to really like Bicester VIllage, but it is a little too aspirational for me now!
I want to step into the story with you Aby!!! Looks absolutely amazing and I’m so glad you had a good time, it’s worth pushing bedtimes for a special treat like this 🙂 xxx
Amazing place and the so many posh stores =) #whatsthestory
So jealous. I only live round the corner and haven’t been to Bicester for a while now, but always get sent the newsletters. Didn’t know about the public event though, so might have to do that if the OH will babysit.
This looks so good, and is making me even more excited about Christmas! Whoooooop! 🙂 xx
Wow it looks like you were spoiled! It looks like it was an amazing event and I can’t think of anything more fun than shopping! It looks so pretty with all the Christmas lights up!
Oh how lovely – I love the slow build up to Christmas. Glad you had such a lovely experience.
We like Bicester village, too, though we’ve never been in the run up to Christmas – it looks so pretty!
Never been it looks amazing need to go to a Christmas light up this year .x
Yay for Christmas stuff- I am already starting to get festive! Can’t wait for it to be mid november as I think that’s when I am officially allowed to be excited. 😉 My Mum goes to Bicester quite often, it’s supposed to be really good, I have never been. Sounds like you had lots of fun though. x
We’re always at Bicester Village as it isn’t far from us. Looks like you got treated like royalty! I’ve been early on Boxing Day but never on Black Friday and perhaps would have done this year but we will in the States for it instead 😉
I haven’t been to Bicester in years, it looks so good though, better than it did x
What a great event to attend, and it sounds like you got some lovely gifts. It really does look nice dressed up for Christmas. I hope she settled down to sleep OK for you.
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She was amazing! x
Ooh I have always wanted to visit here, I keep saying I’ll go but never get round to it! Maybe i’ll visit this Christmas, looks lovely x
I love the thought and effort put into events like this; the kids entertainment – looked great – but I’d find it hard to get excited about a lanyard, Tommy Hilfiger or not. That’s a pretty poor offering from a major fashion house. Tightwads!
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It was a wonderful event. I was thrilled with the lovely free gifts, from Tommy Hilfiger we were gifted the lanyard and a lovely scarf. Mr Hubby is thrilled with both, as he has to wear one to work as his is getting a little old x
Ooh yay to Christmas already, I’m feeling festive too! F would have loved the singing story teller and sounds like you got some nice goodies yourself. X
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We were really spoiled, it was such a lovely event x
socks from Paul Smith sound dreamy… I love posh socks, they make my feet happy 😉
Now that’s the way to get into the festive spirit. It looks amazing! I haven’t been to Bicester Village for ages but would love to get back.
This sounds like such a fabulous event, they really went all out to make it special for you. You’ve made me feel all Christmassy now 🙂 #MagicMoments
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It was such an amazing event x
Sounds like a fun event but the Christmas countdown doesn’t start for me until Halloween is out of the way
Looks like an absolutely amazing place for a Christmas shopping spree.
Looks like you had a nice day out. The one thing I absolutely love about winter is when all the Christmas lights come out. Things looks so much nicer in the evenings with some twinkling fairy lights 🙂
This place looks awesome and I really want to visit there. It looks so Christmassy too.